[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF MICHAEL JACKSON

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                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

   Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Michael 
Jackson, Sheriff for Prince George's County, Maryland.
   Sheriff Michael Jackson is a Prince George's County native who has 
dedicated his professional life to bettering the community in which he 
grew up and now serves. He grew up in Forestville, Maryland, and 
graduated from Crossland High School. He then went on to receive a 
bachelor of science from the DeVry Institute of Technology in 
electronic engineering technology. Serving in the Marine Corps Reserves 
for 3 years, he joined the Office of the Sheriff in 1989, and was first 
sworn in as Sheriff on December 2, 2002. Now in his second term. 
Jackson has implemented important changes in the past 6 years, both in 
domestic violence intervention and in his work with the local youth. 
The 2008 Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus Allied Profession Award 
is in recognition of these many accomplishments.
   In the field of domestic violence. Sheriff Jackson has made many 
important innovations. He implemented a 24/7 Domestic Violence 
Intervention unit, a comprehensive approach to victim services and 
protection. The unit was created with the goal of providing assistance 
to the victim through every stage of the judicial process, starting at 
the 911 call to the final protective order. He initiated the first 
civilian Domestic Violence Intervention/Community Services Unit, 
expanding outreach and education throughout the county. The Violence 
Victim Advocate Unit followed, which evaluates the protective order 
issued and is an ongoing service as long as the victim needs it. He 
also formed an agency called ``Empowering My Sister'' which supports 
domestic violence victims in regaining their autonomy and moving 
forward by providing professional development, such as interview 
skills, appearance tips, GED training, and business contacts.
   The sheriff expanded services for domestic violence by assuming 
first responder duties for all 911 calls in the central county area, 
and Jackson's goal is that by 2010 the Office of the Sheriff will serve 
the entire county as domestic violence first responders. This will 
centralize first responder, peace and protective order service, 
community outreach, victim advocacy and survivor empowerment within 
``Empowering My Sister.''
   Sheriff Jackson also serves as a role model to the youth in his 
community. As a Prince George's County native, he shares his story of 
overcoming the hardships of his youth with young people. Through the 
Michael A. Jackson Charitable Foundation, he helps to provide 
opportunities for young people in the community by providing such 
services as diversity camp, and a Sheriff's Explorer's program for 
teens.
   The Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus Allied Profession Award 
recognizes the efforts of individuals, such as sheriff Jackson, who 
directly benefit crime victims, but are not direct service providers. 
Sheriff Jackson qualifies based on his creativity in expanding the 
services of existing organizations, as well as implementing new ones 
for the purpose of helping victims of domestic violence through every 
aspect of their recovery.

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